Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail 2010 Review

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival 2010 

 

While winter was slow to ease its artic grasp on the country this year, the first days of spring coincided with the start of the 2010 Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival.

As the host communities along the trail readied themselves to welcome the many walkers, the spring sunshine was finally here and there was a special excitement in the air. The three day festival ran from the 19^th to the 21^st of March with 134 walkers following the heritage trail to Murrisk. 

On Day 1 walkers arrived in Balla Community Centre to be greeted by a warm welcome and an array of refreshments. After a brief introduction by Mr. Brían Hoban walkers set off on their 61km journey. The sunny spring morning reflected the general mood of the walkers as 31 eager hikers could be seen in the distance heading across the hills of Moat and on to Tully. By lunch time the first of the walkers emerged at Doonamoona crossroads where Tuffy’s Pub had provided some well needed refreshments. With the ruins of Doonamoona Castle and Mc Grath’s Thatched Cottage in full view, walkers rested a while and from here, one could truly appreciate this romantic landscape. 

With renewed energy we set upon our way passing Fortlawn Ringfort and Drum, founded by St Patrick, whose footprint can, apparently, be seen there in a stone. Rolling hills give way to bog land as the trail gradually meanders, until Staunton’s Forge comes in to view and the sound of hammering out the red hot iron is still heard today. Finally through Knockaraha Woods we pass the historic Ballintubber with its famous 800 year old abbey, and another wonderful view of Croagh Patrick on the horizon. At last with a sense of triumph we see our goal in sight and we arrive at Corrigan’s shop in Ballintubber. As walkers gradually arrive there is a diverse array of refreshments to choose from and walkers reminisce of the day’s sights and stories into the twilight of the evening. 

On the second day 46 walkers gather at Corrigan’s in Ballintubber to register and to be met with yet another lavish reception, with an abundance of homemade cakes, scones and other refreshments. We head off, walking along a quiet road towards the hillside of Cullentragh where the ruins of several famine cottages and lazy-beds invoke memories of the hardships endured during famine times. Heading down Stirabout Road, local guide Angela Staunton provides an insight into this area, explaining how the road derived its name and how the many local people who worked on these roads were paid in oatmeal as a substitute for money during famine times. 

The scenery changes with every mile, you hear tales and stories old and new, as Croagh Patrick slowly comes ever closer, and you share your journey with the wildlife of Cullentragh Bog, a haven for speckled owls, pheasants, hares and larks. Approaching Sean Carter’s family home, a local farmer, he stops awhile to speak to the many walkers, telling of his experiences growing up in this area. As we reach Killawalla Community Centre we are called inside for some well received refreshments, before once again setting off with Croagh Patrick on the horizon showing us the way. Passing the Lake of the Heads we hear tales of the exploits of Sean na Seagart and of the vast underground network of caverns and springs beneath our feet that emerges in Aille. 

Once through Aille Woods we arrive at Aille Lake where Brendan Sammon, Ksenja Kragl and Sr. Maureen are waiting with supplies of food and water to sustain us along our way, here we rest for a time as the spring sun continues to shine down. With a renewed sense of energy we pass the historic Aille Caves and gradually continue until the round tower of Aughagower comes in to view. Approaching this unique patrician village we are greeted by the Aughagower community with a warm welcome and a variety of refreshments at the community centre. Later that evening we recollect the memories of the day over a drink in the local pub to the accompaniment of traditional Irish music. 

On our third and final day 57 eager walkers gather at Aughagower Community Centre to begin the final leg of their journey. As we move through Aughagower Village we listen tentatively to Mr. Brían Hoban as he explains the history of the Village. 

As we pass Mountbrowne and the unique Rock of Boheh, from where, on certain days of the year at sunset, you can watch the sun roll down Croagh Patrick. Before long we find ourselves enveloped by Brackloon Wood, the oldest native woodland on the Atlantic coast, coming out from its shade, you find the reek even closer, as we move up the Skelp, which was once an ancient road. 

As we pass the impressive Deer Park Wall we feel privileged to have such clear weather which complements our sublime panoramic view of Clew Bay. With the Nephin Mountain Range and Achill Beg to the north, this is a truly inspiring landscape. Clare Island, to the west, invokes thoughts of Grainne Uaile, the famous pirate queen and her many adventures on these very waters. As we finally near the sign post, at the foot of Croagh Patrick that denotes the end of the trail, a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment fills our hearts as we walk towards the tavern restaurant to de-register. Here the chairman of the Tóchar Valley Rural Community Network, Mr. John Tiernan, presents us with our certificates of achievement and we receive a warm welcome and some much needed refreshments. 

The 2010 Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival was our most successful festival to date, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. The CPHT would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our TVRCN Communities, the event organizers, guides and staff, our sponsors and most of all to the walkers who made this event possible.